Homepage just changed; must learn it again.

Fernapple comments on Feb 17, 2020:

There seem to be less icons on the like menu, again.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@AstralSmoke The larger buttons are certainly OK, and the new colour is good, but I can not see a box around notifications ? And does the icon I am sending you count as 'Sad' ? I clicked on it and an angry face came up.

Homepage just changed; must learn it again.

Sgt_Spanky comments on Feb 17, 2020:

These changes were not expected and have left me frightened, and confused, and sexually dysfunctional.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@Sgt_Spanky That is nice to know. But it is alright to be frightened, and quite natural, just don't let it turn you towards religion.

Homepage just changed; must learn it again.

AstralSmoke comments on Feb 17, 2020:

It hasn't changed that much and I'm not sure that it is any better. The question is why?

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

I suppose it is like government, trying to find something to do so that you can look too busy to address really difficult problems.

Homepage just changed; must learn it again.

Sgt_Spanky comments on Feb 17, 2020:

These changes were not expected and have left me frightened, and confused, and sexually dysfunctional.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

Just like you were before then. LOL

I think you guys have the wrong idea about what you call "Hinduism"

Petter comments on Feb 17, 2020:

Also, kernels of social discrimination, such as the caste system, which modern India is struggling to abolish.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

In some places the caste system is getting stronger, in part in reaction to modernizing attempts.

I watched click recently and sat watching the UK head of You tube defending the poor reproducibility...

Fernapple comments on Feb 16, 2020:

Yes I saw that too. You Tube is like everything else you have to use your judgment.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@Mcflewster I think that You Tube, like many internet services, has grown beyond the point where it can be controled anyway, either by its managers or state governments, most of which it is now more powerful than anyway.

“I’ve never met an animal I didn’t like, but I can’t say the same thing about ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 17, 2020:

I don't think she met a lot of animals, or was she making the common confusion of animal with mammal.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@Marionville Oh. I am being very pedantic, on a, be mischeivous for fun, morning.

“I’ve never met an animal I didn’t like, but I can’t say the same thing about ...

Fernapple comments on Feb 17, 2020:

I don't think she met a lot of animals, or was she making the common confusion of animal with mammal.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@Marionville So she knew some blow flies and bobbit worms then ?

Is there a place where nobody believes in any gods

Fernapple comments on Feb 16, 2020:

Yes lots, a least if you don't bother with tiny marginalized minorities. Most Buddhist and former Buddhist countries, many pre-industrial Animist cultures, China, Japan, the Czech Republic, and large parts of northern Europe where nones are fast becoming majorities.

Fernapple replies on Feb 17, 2020:

@JeffMesser No, it is both a religion and a philosophy the two are not mutually exclusive.

Is there a place where nobody believes in any gods

Fernapple comments on Feb 16, 2020:

Yes lots, a least if you don't bother with tiny marginalized minorities. Most Buddhist and former Buddhist countries, many pre-industrial Animist cultures, China, Japan, the Czech Republic, and large parts of northern Europe where nones are fast becoming majorities.

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2020:

@JeffMesser Some do but it is not universal, or inherent in the religion.

American Exceptionalism A Double Edged Sword By Seymour Martin Lipset

Fernapple comments on Feb 16, 2020:

Like your post, but the link does not work.

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2020:

@Jetty Yep got it now.

I find the Antikythera Mechanism fascinating, and here is a new talk on the subject. [youtu.be]

Fernapple comments on Feb 16, 2020:

Wonderful talk, thank you for posting it. Its a cold wet day here and that was a good hour to start the day.

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2020:

@Omnedon Yes, Im in love.

WHAT DEEP FAKES WOULD YOU GENERATE?

1of5 comments on Feb 15, 2020:

Me being nice to someone.

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2020:

Come on ! Nobody would swallow that one.

Evolution is just a Theory? CORRECT.

Fernapple comments on Feb 15, 2020:

I think that you may be preaching to the converted a bit here.

Fernapple replies on Feb 16, 2020:

@Robecology If you are in FB jail, that means you must be doing a good job. Well done.

Annoying religious sayings .

FearlessFly comments on Feb 14, 2020:

"god" works in mysterious ways :P

Fernapple replies on Feb 15, 2020:

Oh that has to be the worst, not only does it credit god for everything, but it gives him a get-out for everything as well.

Today my heart goes out to all the missing and murdered women, especially the Indigenous Woman.

WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Worldwide, 79% of murder victims are men. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homicide_statistics_by_gender Globally, less than 1% of deaths are due to homicide. We can not live in constant sorrow in the human condition and still function. I view the river of organic bodies as a continuum—a ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 14, 2020:

No I can not agree with that. Few, if any, murder victims are kindly given a lethal whiff of gas while they sleep or something similar. Most murders are carried out in ways that cause great fear and pain, sometimes unimaginably, and deliberately so. Not only that, but murder often causes a great deal more pain and grief to friends and family than other forms of death. The murder stats of less than 1% year after year, still represent a huge ongoing vollume of pain and misery for the human race. It is almost certainly true that most murder victims are male, but it is good to be wary about the percentages. Since in many countries of the world, especially those where the births of girl children are not counted or valued, niether are the deaths of women, many communities not even bothering to report such births or murders, or the murders are left uninvestigated by the authorities. A friend of mine from a third world country, informs me that in the rural villages, the deaths of unwanted wives are simply described, to the police as. "Fell down the well." And no investigation is ever carried out.

"Put away the crack, before the crack puts you away, you have be there when your baby is old enough...

Allamanda comments on Feb 14, 2020:

so who said this? It's not a quote without attribution.

Fernapple replies on Feb 14, 2020:

Yes I think that in a quotes group it is an obligation to at least put "Anon" or "Me".

Clean Up On Aisle 6!

WilliamFleming comments on Feb 14, 2020:

My first paid job was picking cotton. Our parents sent us out to pick cotton because they thought that would be good for our characters. We were not permitted to spend the money but had to put it in the bank. Picking cotton is hot, grueling work for a youngster, and I developed patience, ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 14, 2020:

Yes I feel what you mean about town kids being different, but you can learn social skills later in life though, but I do not know if you can learn aloneness skills later. So maybe we are the lucky ones.

[msn.com] Huge rise in UK unemployment figures

Fernapple comments on Feb 14, 2020:

Its moved on. Is now a link to a royal gossip post.

Fernapple replies on Feb 14, 2020:

@Petter That it seems is the joke intended. I am sorry to say that I just saw H. and M. (sounds like a sexual practice, ) and turned back, did not even get as far as sack. I think Moravian's humour is too clever for the likes of me.

I met a guy for lunch today and it was an identical experience to almost every other guy I've met ...

LiterateHiker comments on Feb 13, 2020:

With a master degree, I love intelligent conversation and witty banter. My friends tell me to lower my standards. So few years ago, I met three local guys with only a high school diploma. All three men were extremely boring. One man talked on-and-on about fishing and hunting trips in ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 14, 2020:

It has to said though about the 'hunting, shooting and fishing bores'. That they were the species R. Kippling was thinking of, when he coined the immortal phrase. "The female of the species is more deadly than the male." LOL

Being intelligent , unfortunately , does not mean a person is moral .

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2020:

No being intelligent does not make you moral. But it does make it easier to be moral, because it makes it easier to understand what is moral and what is not. It also makes you more self reliant, which makes it harder for those who promote the opposite, immorality, to sell you their product.

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 Ah, yes I remember now, the one I am thinking of, is called the, universalization principle. It is very good too.

The worst scam profile I've seen in a while. Check it out, and have some giggles! @Gina666

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2020:

Says not available. Yep 'it ' messaged me, but that has gone now too.

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2020:

@1of5 Sorry I did not get to read the profile if it was funny. First real scamer I have had direct contact with, pity it ended that quick I always relish a new experience.

Religion has always been used as a tool to control the population.

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2020:

Because it saves the effort of having to think things though for yourself. Laziness is the second greatest force in human life and history after boredom.

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2020:

@Freedompath True, there are many reasons really.

Being intelligent , unfortunately , does not mean a person is moral .

Fernapple comments on Feb 13, 2020:

No being intelligent does not make you moral. But it does make it easier to be moral, because it makes it easier to understand what is moral and what is not. It also makes you more self reliant, which makes it harder for those who promote the opposite, immorality, to sell you their product.

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 If I remember right, is that not the one, which is basically based on the same logic as grand mother's ? "How would it be if everyone did that."

Religion has always been used as a tool to control the population.

Word comments on Feb 13, 2020:

Religion... pure and faultless is this: to help widows and orphans in need and avoiding worldly corruption. James 1:27 How is helping widows and orphans why avoiding worldly corruption a way to control people? OR, why are you using the word "religion " to label something other than helping ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 13, 2020:

Morning Fred, been missing you.

More stories from the deep past, this one relates to a lot of modern things as well though if you ...

Robecology comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Shared on FB...my christian friends hate when I do this....

Fernapple replies on Feb 12, 2020:

Have you ever tried explaining to them that, you can be Christian without being a creationist, they don't have to buy the whole dumb package ? Or would that require too much brain strain on their part ?

Skeptic that I am I can't help but wonder who the heck runs and funds this site and why?

Fernapple comments on Feb 10, 2020:

It would be nice if those who fund and operate this site were openly available. But you have to remember that, we live in a world where, reveling openly that you are the funding or inspiration behind a site like this, would make you a target for half the nut-jobs on the planet.

Fernapple replies on Feb 12, 2020:

@prometheus That's true, though I am not really bothered if they baptize my dead relatives or not. What I would worry about however is trading with any business related to the Mormons, since they have a long history of using such companies for all sorts of financial fiddles. Including laundering their tax exempt tithes.

The music needs no introduction, but the very young player has not been seen much before.

Marionville comments on Feb 12, 2020:

Wonderful Gershwin piece....very talented performance all round, but especially by the young piano soloist.

Fernapple replies on Feb 12, 2020:

Yes a lot of the orchestra seem to be very young too, maybe it is a youth band, but my Polish is none existent.

I have seen the future of the internet.

Pralina1 comments on Feb 11, 2020:

♥️♥️♥️ I never heard of such critter ♥️♥️♥️ I will research when off and rested . What a cutie ♥️♥️♥️

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2020:

Here you go have a cute overdose. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdLUZRyhPb0

According to the Gospel, Jesus Christ once said: "Love your enemies like you would love yourself" or...

Fernapple comments on Feb 11, 2020:

It can be seen as a metaphor for, put hate behind you, because hate, especially frustrated hate, will do more harm to you than it does to your enemies. However it could also be an invention by later authors, who wanted to put deliberately enigmatic words in their hero's mouth, because that is a ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2020:

@Condorandino I have no idea really, but he certainly is not motivated by love.

Mozart’s sister, Maria Anna, was a genius, too — but we forget her - The Lily

Geoffrey51 comments on Feb 10, 2020:

Here is a thought. Mozart died at about 34 I think. He has a massive output for 29 years of composing. This includes 40 symphonies around 20 musical plays and operas along with the hundreds of other pieces. What if the Mozart catalogue is actually the pair of them. The logistics would make...

Fernapple replies on Feb 11, 2020:

I often wondered about W. Wordsworth the romantic poet and his sister, they had an almost incestuous relationship, and everyone said that his poems took a sudden plunge downhill after her death. That has always been put down to grief and depression, but I sometimes wonder if there may not have been a more direct cause. Just thinking out loud.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"That is why religion is, and increasingly is, only a source of bad ideas, especially in areas such morality, " So "thou shall not kill" or "thou shall not lie" are both bad ideas because they comes from a religious source and not a secular one? Interesting... ;) Theres a distinction between ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay That is a straw man argument, a very common one that religious apologists always use, the science argument. But I did not say 'science' I said 'science AND philosophy plus psychology. of which the second is perhaps the most important. The setting up of science as the only opponent of religion, to avoid having to address the other problems, is a very cheap and shabby trick, which has long passed its sell by date.

You Can’t Have It Both Ways .

Fernapple comments on Feb 7, 2020:

No religion is not the source of morality, everything is natural and does come from nature via us. BUT. The important point about religion is that it unbalances any debate over morality or anything else. Because it enables those who accept it to claim an extra, supernatural, authority for their ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

@skadoYes genetic drives can be manipulated to a degree, but there is no need, because a successful culture needs only fulfil those basic few genetic needs to progress. And culture is totally plastic to a degree, there have been successful cultures which espoused just about every idea you could possibly imagine. From Christian, god has to die for the weaknesses humans, to Aztec, humans must be sacrificed to make up for the weakness of the gods. Exact opposites, yet both worked. Many apologists see science as the opposite of religion, but there are many other growing powers competing for their share of the human mind : government, health services, private corporations, the internet etc. which will tell people what to do, if that is what they want, and those are growing in number and power all the time, there is more and more competition in the market place. But even more importantly. When once religion lost its explanatory power, how to live, to philosophy, how life works, to science, and how people work, to medical psychology, then religion is empty and hollow, no longer needed as such. And when that happens then it comes, without any weapons or armour up to fight against the greatest force in human life. The force which really governs history, ( however much we may thing otherwise, ) and creates hero's and kingdoms, while destroying corporations, fashions and governments, even bringing empires crashing down and wasting the greatest of armies, namely the humans complete lack of attention span, or boredom in other words. Which is our most primal powerful and ruling instinct, far more than all the others put together, which drives nearly everything that happens in human history.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"That is why religion is, and increasingly is, only a source of bad ideas, especially in areas such morality, " So "thou shall not kill" or "thou shall not lie" are both bad ideas because they comes from a religious source and not a secular one? Interesting... ;) Theres a distinction between ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay That may well be true, though I would put the percentage much lower, because there are other powers: government, health services, science, private corporations, the internet etc. which will tell people what to do, if that is what they want, and those are growing in number and power all the time, there is more and more competition in the market place. But even more importantly. When once religion lost its explanatory power, how to live, to philosophy, how life works, to science, and how people work, to medical psychology, then religion is empty and hollow, no longer needed as such. And when that happens then it comes, without any weapons or armour up to fight against the greatest force in human life. The force which really governs history, ( however much we may thing otherwise, ) and creates hero's and kingdoms, while destroying corporations, fashions and governments, even bringing empires crashing down and wasting the greatest of armies, namely the humans complete lack of attention span, or boredom in other words. Which is our most primal powerful and ruling instinct, that drives nearly everything which happen in human history.

It seems to me we may be invaded by shills and trolls paid by Trump supporters to steer voters.

KKGator comments on Feb 10, 2020:

On this site? I haven't noticed anything like that at all.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

@KKGator Good test. LOL

Hope you are all okay and not too badly affected by the storms over there

Sofabeast comments on Feb 10, 2020:

North East Scotland, a wee bit windy, but otherwise wooly hat and jumper weather. It's often colder in summer.

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

Isn't it supposed to be colder in summer, or have I been living in Britain too long ?

When I post something it never comes up on my own profile page.

Fernapple comments on Feb 10, 2020:

Are you looking under comments not posts ?

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

Yes I think that it takes you to comments first by default.

You Can’t Have It Both Ways .

Fernapple comments on Feb 7, 2020:

No religion is not the source of morality, everything is natural and does come from nature via us. BUT. The important point about religion is that it unbalances any debate over morality or anything else. Because it enables those who accept it to claim an extra, supernatural, authority for their ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

@skado There is a genetic basis for all things, but genetic drives are easy to manipulate, especially culturally, that is why organized religion, the bit which is really harmful bit, exists in the first place. We have an even stronger genetically created drive to eat high calory food, yet many people still manage to choose a heathy diet. Over 40% of Britains, and rising, have chosen a religion free world, despite the massive inherited culture of religion, while the majority of the sixty percent claim to be only nominally culturally attached to their religions.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"That is why religion is, and increasingly is, only a source of bad ideas, especially in areas such morality, " So "thou shall not kill" or "thou shall not lie" are both bad ideas because they comes from a religious source and not a secular one? Interesting... ;) Theres a distinction between ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 10, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay Yes that is very true. Though to take my local example at least 40%, and rising, of Britains have chosen to drop the baggage to date, that is quite a lot. Though we do have a state church and church in state schools which helps to kill it.

An interesting development in computer programming? [youtu.be]

Fernapple comments on Feb 9, 2020:

Brilliant post, it had me convinced for quite a while.

Fernapple replies on Feb 9, 2020:

@FrayedBear Watching it a second time, now I know the voice does sound just a little off, but not the first time round.

You Can’t Have It Both Ways .

Fernapple comments on Feb 7, 2020:

No religion is not the source of morality, everything is natural and does come from nature via us. BUT. The important point about religion is that it unbalances any debate over morality or anything else. Because it enables those who accept it to claim an extra, supernatural, authority for their ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 9, 2020:

@skado If you wish to call secular morality religion and say that supernaturalism is not the same as religion, then you are welcome. Everyone is entitled to define their own usages of words to suit themselves, but if people wish to be understood by others and help others towards a better aproximation of the truth, then it is better to keep with the most common usages which most people understand. I always try to use the clearest language possible. Certainly one of us has a defined the word religion in a way which puts him in a minority of one. Why isolate yourself from taking part, in all the mainstream debates, just for a senitmental attachment to a word.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

skado comments on Feb 7, 2020:

That works perhaps for one, fairly narrow, understanding of the word, "religion" but not for all scholarly, or even popular, understandings. Other well-informed and well-reasoned views exist.

Fernapple replies on Feb 9, 2020:

@skado Of course the thing called religion will continue, it has always reinvented itself, that is just what I am saying. And the way in which it is reinventing itself at this time, is as a criminal organization for the benefit of the least moral sections of society. Because it has so much more to offer them than it does to everyone else: a perfect refuge where they can escape the scrutiny of society at large, a home where increasingly they can meet like minded people, a perfect mechanism for twisting immoral desires into sham goodness and a screen of respectability to hide behind.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

skado comments on Feb 7, 2020:

That works perhaps for one, fairly narrow, understanding of the word, "religion" but not for all scholarly, or even popular, understandings. Other well-informed and well-reasoned views exist.

Fernapple replies on Feb 9, 2020:

@skado No it is all of religion, both the seemingly moral and benign half, which is fading fast, and the immoral criminal element which grows and prospers. All the wishing and dreaming in the world can not turn the tides of history when the inevitable powerful trends are established. The Roman empire may have built good roads and brought law and order to many, but all the praise heaped on it by its admirers could not stop the growth of class divisions and corruption, the advance of drying deserts, economic decay nor the increasing isolation of a centralised government and the growing respect for local tribal government, bringing it down.

[boredpanda.

skado comments on Feb 7, 2020:

I don't know if this is related or not, but I was equally shocked to learn that about a third of adults have no capacity for abstract thought, and most of the rest have only varying degrees of capability. "The research demonstrates to us that only a few (about 10%) of the adult population are ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 8, 2020:

It says that it is needful to teach these skills, although it also says that the education system fails to teach them and then says that rote learning is used instead. Actually I would think that rote learning helps to crush them, and discourages people from practicing and enhancing them as much as they can, because it quite deliberately promotes a fear of getting things wrong. Best play safe and learn to chant the mantra. I love the very quotable passage at the end, though it is not attributed. "How could we take something as natural and wonderful as learning and turn it into education? "

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"That is why religion is, and increasingly is, only a source of bad ideas, especially in areas such morality, " So "thou shall not kill" or "thou shall not lie" are both bad ideas because they comes from a religious source and not a secular one? Interesting... ;) Theres a distinction between ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 8, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay Quite but it is also about looking at the way the ideas of religion are changing. PS you wanted some stats. https://faithsurvey.co.uk/uk-christianity.html

You Can’t Have It Both Ways .

Fernapple comments on Feb 7, 2020:

No religion is not the source of morality, everything is natural and does come from nature via us. BUT. The important point about religion is that it unbalances any debate over morality or anything else. Because it enables those who accept it to claim an extra, supernatural, authority for their ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 8, 2020:

@skado Yes but that is the whole point, the reigions with 'scholarly, well informed and well reasoned views' are fading and declining, it is only the hate pedaling religions which grow, because you can get scholarly, well informed and well reasoned views, from many places without the burden of religion, only the hate filled religions offer a refuge for the hateful which they can not find in mainstream culture. I am not trying to praise secular morality at all, I am only saying that it exists, and that by so doing it markets the same 'good' things as religion, without the added baggage which comes with religion. And that therefore, people with the good intent, wanting to buy good ideas, will natural choose that, simply because people will always choose the less costly product if they are otherwise the same. Religion however offers to give false authority to any ideas, even bad ones, and therefore people of evil intent who want to pedal their own bad ideas will naturally choose that. That process is natural and unstoppable.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"That is why religion is, and increasingly is, only a source of bad ideas, especially in areas such morality, " So "thou shall not kill" or "thou shall not lie" are both bad ideas because they comes from a religious source and not a secular one? Interesting... ;) Theres a distinction between ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 8, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay I am not trying to appease secular morality at all, I am only saying that it exists, and that by so doing it markets the same 'good' things as religion, without the added baggage which comes with religion. And that therefore, people with the good intent, wanting to buy good ideas, will natural choose that, simply because people will always choose the less costly product if they are otherwise the same. Religion however offers to give false authority to any ideas, even bad ones, and therefore people of evil intent who want to pedal their own bad ideas will naturally choose that. That process is natural and unstoppable.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

skado comments on Feb 7, 2020:

That works perhaps for one, fairly narrow, understanding of the word, "religion" but not for all scholarly, or even popular, understandings. Other well-informed and well-reasoned views exist.

Fernapple replies on Feb 8, 2020:

@TheMiddleWay Yes but the whole point is, that the reigions with 'scholarly, well informed and well reasoned views' are fading and declining, it is only the hate pedaling religions which grow, because you can get scholarly, well informed and well reasoned views, from many places without the burden of religion, only the hate filled religions offer a refuge for the hateful which they can not find in mainstream culture. And that is a universal truth, about the two divisions of religion.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

skado comments on Feb 7, 2020:

That works perhaps for one, fairly narrow, understanding of the word, "religion" but not for all scholarly, or even popular, understandings. Other well-informed and well-reasoned views exist.

Fernapple replies on Feb 8, 2020:

Yes but the whole point is, that the reigions with 'scholarly, well informed and well reasoned views' are fading and declining, it is only the hate pedaling religions which grow, because you can get scholarly, well informed and well reasoned views, from many places without the burden of religion, only the hate filled religions offer a refuge for the hateful which they can not find in mainstream culture.

"Where you there?

Geoffrey51 comments on Feb 7, 2020:

Yes, ignore it and get in with my life because it has no intellectual currency and I don’t care what someone with that mindset thinks.

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

@DavidLaDeau Well said. Its very like. I did not get upset, when they took their share of the widows pension. I did not get upset, when they tortured my neighbors child with fears of death. I did not get upset, when they told the girl next door that she had carry an unwanted child. I did not get upset, when they spat on my friend and his husband. I did not get upset, when they beat the woman I never met, with heavy canes. I did not get upset, when the child in a foreign land died of a preventable disease. I did not get upset, when they spent the hospitals money on a new church. I did not get upset, when they concealed crimes, for no one raped or humiliated me. I did not get upset, when they tried to suppress learning and knowledge so that people would not know how to question. I did not get upset, when they forced a nine year old to marry. I did not get upset, when they took a dirty knife to a tiny little girl, (I could not hear her scream.) I did not get upset, when they put people to death for being humane to others. I did not get upset, when they threw stones and bullets at one another's children, its their argument after all. I did not get upset, when they;- Sorry I think that I have to go now, I hear some knocking at my door. Maybe its them? I am sure it will be alright though, they have nothing against me do they ?

YOUR THREE LAWS AS A "DICTATOR"

Geoffrey51 comments on Feb 7, 2020:

That’s a pretty good start for a despot!

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

Most of them start well, it is when they start to run out of good ideas that the problems begin.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

Nardi comments on Feb 7, 2020:

I don't feel that main stream religions will knowingly entertain evil ideas of morality as a way to remain relevant and/or popular. They may be naive but they sure as hell are not dumb they will know that promoting evil will lead to their demise. The world is becoming a smaller place and once the ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

@Nardi The Point of course being that the reinvention with good liberal ideas, does not help them, yet the evangelical, racist, male supremisist fringe grows and increases, because they have something to offer that people can not get elsewhere.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

TheMiddleWay comments on Feb 7, 2020:

"That is why religion is, and increasingly is, only a source of bad ideas, especially in areas such morality, " So "thou shall not kill" or "thou shall not lie" are both bad ideas because they comes from a religious source and not a secular one? Interesting... ;) Theres a distinction between ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

No that misreads it, it says. "It did of course inherit and get infected with a few good ideas, which it kept, as long as they were those that could be made to live with the evil ones without conflict, so that it could present them at the front of the shop as a smiling face to sell the product." And religion does indeed sell many good ideas such as. "You shall not kill." The point however is that it sells those good ideas less and less as time goes by, and it increasingly sells the holy war, and. "Thou shall killl in the name of your god." Because that is the direction it is moving in, and it is moving that way and becoming ever more the realm of people who want to do harm, because as secular morality improves, it is the people with evil intent increasingly turn to religion as their mode of life.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

Nardi comments on Feb 7, 2020:

I don't feel that main stream religions will knowingly entertain evil ideas of morality as a way to remain relevant and/or popular. They may be naive but they sure as hell are not dumb they will know that promoting evil will lead to their demise. The world is becoming a smaller place and once the ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

True but the English churches are dying despite embracing good ideas. Because they are in a market place where many others are selling good ideas at far less a price. Yet the hard line evangelicals and the racist churches grow and prosper.

Hi there.

Cast1es comments on Feb 7, 2020:

I can't see you in it . Are you tiny ?

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

Right hand side of the photo, on the triangle of grass just in front of the cars.

Religion is not the source of morality, as we all here know, everything is natural and does come ...

DavidLaDeau comments on Feb 7, 2020:

If god is the source of morality then it is subjective. If god is not the source of morality god is not necessary. I disagree with the authors statement that "which left religion with the ONLY role of promoting bad ideas". The idea of Christianity is doing good in the modern theology. The ideas ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

The point is not that religion does not do a lot of good, or that good people do not belong to religions, the point is that the direction that it has now got to take is that of promoting bad ideas, simply because it has nowhere else to go. So that while there are now many good ideas in religion, and it may in the past have done much good, it will increasingly attract bad people, because they have nowhere else to go as secular morality improves, and it will find that the only thing it can sell are bad ideas because others are selling the good ones better.

A couple months ago, a local skeptic organization screened the documentary, "Hail Satan?

Allamanda comments on Dec 21, 2019:

One could compare with the UUs - this is from Wikipedia. There's less of a jokey or defiant posture of course if you enjoy that. Unitarian Universalist Association Adopted in 1960... The Principles are expressed, We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

@Allamanda No it does not appeal to me either, I always thought that a movement based only on negative views can not last, and has no appeel to me,especially if its opponent fades away. If that happens then it will either have to die or reinvent itself as religions always seem to. But I do not live in a theocracy like the US, so that perhaps an organization which gives hurt people a chance to vent, is no bad thing, where it is needed.

A couple months ago, a local skeptic organization screened the documentary, "Hail Satan?

Allamanda comments on Dec 21, 2019:

One could compare with the UUs - this is from Wikipedia. There's less of a jokey or defiant posture of course if you enjoy that. Unitarian Universalist Association Adopted in 1960... The Principles are expressed, We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

@Allamanda Sorry, I was not intending to be cynical, it is very good. I failed to make the point perhaps that I wrote it by comparison with the Satanist's crede which is much more defined I feel. And while I like both, the satanist's seems the better thought out.

A couple months ago, a local skeptic organization screened the documentary, "Hail Satan?

Allamanda comments on Dec 21, 2019:

One could compare with the UUs - this is from Wikipedia. There's less of a jokey or defiant posture of course if you enjoy that. Unitarian Universalist Association Adopted in 1960... The Principles are expressed, We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

No sorry they are too vague, so vague they are almost meaningless. Even the most hard line fundamentalist would claim to subscribe to those, while in the act of stonning someone to death. As in:- The inherent worth and dignity of every person; (It is because I respect their worth and dignity, that I take the trouble to deal out their just punishment, which they need.) Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; ( It is because I respect justice and equality, that I take the trouble to deal out their just punishment, which they need, as would I in their place.) Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; ( For every true believer who joins, we give equality as the infidel does not.) A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; ( You will find all that in our holy book, and it is the greatest and only true sourse of that.) The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; (That is why we must destroy all who do not join our congregation, for it is the only true democracy.) The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; ( When everyone accepts our law, this will be a reality.) Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. (Of couse we must respect gods creation.)

A convoluted argument hard to grasp for agnostics, but if it were to succeed...? [sojo.net]

gsiamne comments on Feb 6, 2020:

I think one part of it is because they ignore parts of the OT like where 'god' says to plant for 6 years and then in year 7 let the soil regenerate from nature, also that 'god' says all of the land is his (yet they are destroying it), also the book of Numbers says you shouldn't pollute. So, I think ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 7, 2020:

Sadly its called cherry picking, and most of them have no idea what is in their holy book, only what other cherry pickers tell them in the echo chamber.

My friend and user-interface designer who helped with this site has emerged from his hibernation and...

yogafan108 comments on Feb 6, 2020:

A more equal distribution of points in each level would make more sense. I have been on level 7 almost as long as it took me to get through levels 1-6 and I'm not even at the half way point. It's fracking frustrating!

Fernapple replies on Feb 6, 2020:

The idea is that it gets harder as you go up, both to encourage the newbies, and to give the experienced a challenge.

My oldest (12) grandson mentioned that my potatoes had little things on them.

Redheadedgammy comments on Feb 4, 2020:

Isn’t it great being a grandparent? You have a lot more time and patience with your grandkids then you did with your own children. At least it was that way for me. LOL Great science experiment you taught them. Bravo!

Fernapple replies on Feb 5, 2020:

Old joke. " If I had known grandchildren were this much fun, I would have had them first."

"To stop well going, is more trouble then to keep going, yet at least both are more valued then to ...

Allamanda comments on Feb 3, 2020:

Please read and edit if you are using speech to phone, before posting. This quote is attributed to whom?

Fernapple replies on Feb 3, 2020:

@Allamanda Don't know if that's the one, there is a big gulf between the two, it just popped into my head that's all.

"To stop well going, is more trouble then to keep going, yet at least both are more valued then to ...

Allamanda comments on Feb 3, 2020:

Please read and edit if you are using speech to phone, before posting. This quote is attributed to whom?

Fernapple replies on Feb 3, 2020:

Could not even get google to find it, even tweaking some of the words, though it does remind me of. "It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." A. Tennyson.

In this world we are hearing of the evil of terrorism.

MsDemeanour comments on Feb 3, 2020:

We are pack animals so we are meant to part of a tribe. We do not prosper on our own. When I found agnostic.com I found my tribe. :D

Fernapple replies on Feb 3, 2020:

@Moravian Tribalism is the pack instinct distorted by culture into something it was never meant to be, because we have no control over our cultures but are controled by them.

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. - Frank Lloyd Wright

brentan comments on Feb 2, 2020:

He forgot 'don't turn your back on it'.

Fernapple replies on Feb 2, 2020:

Yes it teaches some important lessons too.

About humans, not just the science but a lot about thinking two. [youtube.com]

EyesThatSmile comments on Feb 2, 2020:

After watching that, I feel humility. That is a good thing. I wish more politically minded people (on any side) would watch this...perhaps they would be kinder and more understanding to each other

Fernapple replies on Feb 2, 2020:

It is also a case of. If knowledge and thought are collective enerprises, then it is a good thing to pick your friends carefully.

Why do some people like to change their icons often, (the little profile pictures) and some people ...

Lorajay comments on Feb 1, 2020:

Sorry, I'm a changer and I really dont know why. I see a picture that I like and i upload it. Current one is a happy memory because the roadrunner used to bring me a present everyday and I miss it. We named him Leonard. He was really bringing the present to his reflection in my glass. Evidently...

Fernapple replies on Feb 1, 2020:

Yep, I can remember you old one.

Its a mild winter so far, but it is still winter and I still dream of summer. [youtube.com]

dede18 comments on Feb 1, 2020:

@Fernapple, it wasn't mentioned and I wondered where in the U.K. one can find a frostfree zone? because there are a multitude of plants in her tropical garden which absolutely cannot take frost ...

Fernapple replies on Feb 1, 2020:

It says in the west country, which is a bit vague and some of which ca be mild. But there is a tradition of using potted plants which are put out in the garden for summer only, in this country. And looking at the mixture, I would think that it is acheived by mixing, tender annuals, a few hardy plants and quite a few which are overwintered indoors

A wonderful photo found online! See first comment.

Fernapple comments on Jan 31, 2020:

Is it your photo ?

Fernapple replies on Feb 1, 2020:

@Allamanda Its very good, I just think that they over saturated the colours a little, it would have been even more convincing had the greens been softer and the outer wooodwork a natural grey. They oviously tweeked them up a bit and that was actually over doing it.

"Sunday school is a prison in which children do penance for the evil conscience of their parents.

Diogenes comments on Jan 31, 2020:

Sunday school is the place where a child is fed the bad tasting medicine- that cures nothing.

Fernapple replies on Feb 1, 2020:

Or makes them even more ill.

Are there really that many gullible "health" freaks around that Netflix runs a series for them?

LiterateHiker comments on Jan 30, 2020:

Gwyeneth Paltrow is a quack. I don't believe anything she suggests.

Fernapple replies on Jan 31, 2020:

@Petter Don't they all. Biggest mistake I ever made, was thinking that it was worthwhile trying to produce and market products that were genuine and useful. Still too old to change now.

As an Aussie living in a mainly secular country I'm amazed and disheartened by the stories from ...

Fernapple comments on Jan 30, 2020:

What I have learned while on this site is, just how failed and broken the US education system must be. Sometimes seeing levels of ignorance expressed, (Not by members generally but in the postings.) that it should be a shame for any government in the 21st century to admit to allowing. Everyone ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 30, 2020:

@birdingnut I found the school system a scam in my day, and I don't thiit has improved any, the only real education I ever got was because I was an avid reader myself. And don't get me started on the time wasted on religion at a C of E school.

Every team sport is marked by cooperation.

Fernapple comments on Jan 29, 2020:

As sports prove, the two are not mutually exclusive, you can have all the benefits of both. But to get that you need good planning/design, and that means honesty and a lack of greed. Meh. No chance outside of sport, and even in sports and arts, you see lots of greed and dishonesty.

Fernapple replies on Jan 29, 2020:

@ToolGuy Yes that is how I know that it is greed and dishonesty that are the problem, because those businesses and departments which do run well on the team spirit, are exactly the ones that don't show the greed and dishonesty ethos. But no business/department lasts forever exactly because the greed and dishonesty always find a way in in the end. People like progress, and to think that they are moving forward, and because of that, when something gets to be nearly as good as it can, the only way is down. Especially because progress when seen from the outside, is always the opposite of what it is when seen from the inside. From the outside progress is doing a little bit more with more economy. While from the inside progress is getting a little more for doing a little less, 'greed'. And when once that starts then the next year/generation wants even more for even less, but cognitive dissonance, 'dishonesty' can be used to make believe that it is justified or even a real improvement and progress, and so all social constructs degenerate and die in time.

Having had a mild spell this January, and with a cold snap on the way.

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Jan 29, 2020:

Nice! What can you tell us about Hellebore? I just planted a hundred seed last spring, because individual plants here are so expensive. About 50 or so sprouts have survived so far but are still quite small. I would not be surprised if it takes another 2 years to get blooms. No wonder they are ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 29, 2020:

@MikeInBatonRouge Sounds good to me.

Having had a mild spell this January, and with a cold snap on the way.

MikeInBatonRouge comments on Jan 29, 2020:

Nice! What can you tell us about Hellebore? I just planted a hundred seed last spring, because individual plants here are so expensive. About 50 or so sprouts have survived so far but are still quite small. I would not be surprised if it takes another 2 years to get blooms. No wonder they are ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 29, 2020:

They are very easy to grow, and do not even need the regular division that a lot of books recommend. They do self sow in the garden a little, but they cross very easily so that the seedlings hardly ever come true, which is perhaps the other reason that they are expensive from seed. I do not tidy up the old leaves until late spring at least, to help keep the plants vigour, but sometimes you have to snip a few away to stop them spoiling the flowers. Where you are I think that they will need summer shade to do best. Don't be impatient with the flowers , they last for months and gradually lift their heads, (which hang to start with,) as the spring moves on. Sometimes you can get some really interesting things among the seedlings.

Having had a mild spell this January, and with a cold snap on the way.

Cast1es comments on Jan 28, 2020:

And they make a lovely bouquet .

Fernapple replies on Jan 28, 2020:

Mainly just done, because it was warmer than trying to photograph them outside.

Can u be agnostic and still be spiritual ??

Bierbasstard comments on Jan 27, 2020:

U left religion behind long ago only to be followed by x, y and z.

Fernapple replies on Jan 27, 2020:

What happen to V and W ?

Stupidest Spellcheck thing that has made you look idiotic recently.

Sticks48 comments on Jan 25, 2020:

I hate that thing. I don't mind it telling me l misspelled a word, but l do hate it when it changes the word.

Fernapple replies on Jan 25, 2020:

That's the trouble with digital, it is far too easy to offer too much.

Why is it called the "mouth" of a river? Surely it ought to be the "anus"?

Fernapple comments on Jan 25, 2020:

Not if you are sail into it from the sea. Especially not if you are sailing 'up' it from the sea.

Fernapple replies on Jan 25, 2020:

@Petter In most rivers a lot of the fluid is ####, so perhaps we should go with your first idea.

Why energy drinks are worse for you than coffee of soda pop

LiterateHiker comments on Jan 25, 2020:

I never drank soda pop. Raised my daughter the same way. "Soda pop is a non-food," I explained. "It's just a load of sugar and chemicals."

Fernapple replies on Jan 25, 2020:

@PondartIncbendog Sugar is a chemical, just like everything else.

“We keep on being told that religion, whatever its imperfections, at least instills morality.

Lorajay comments on Jan 24, 2020:

Not everyone but many

Fernapple replies on Jan 24, 2020:

I would go between and say. Nearly all.

Some things still work just as well as they always did, try a bed recipe, for example.

Cast1es comments on Jan 22, 2020:

A bed recipe ? That brings a whole different activity to mind .

Fernapple replies on Jan 22, 2020:

I know I just spotted that, I typed in haste, but anyway some people may get a laugh out of it, so I will let it stand.

Some things still work just as well as they always did, try a bed recipe, for example.

Robecology comments on Jan 22, 2020:

Wow! I didn't know the difference between "sourdough" and "yeast" leavened bread until they explained it! Interesting! And you even made me look up "leavening" The list of chemical leavens contained baking soda, baking powder, horn salt (a.k.a. baker’s ammonia), potash, etc. The list of ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 22, 2020:

I try to find things that are different and interesting, hope I sometimes succeed. Thanks.

I also posted this in the science group, but it seemed a shame to mis it of here too.

JackPedigo comments on Jan 21, 2020:

Very interesting. I see this is a PBS production. Another series along this line and local to my region is titled "Nick on the Rocks." https://www.pbs.org/show/nick-rocks/ One (of many) episode that is similar but opposite of this is about an area here called "Dry Falls" ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 22, 2020:

Great, thanks for the links, I enjoyed those.

Well this was humiliating! QUIZ: 99% Of Adults Fail This Elementary School Test, Will You?

Fernapple comments on Jan 20, 2020:

35 out of forty. The American history questions were a bit tough for a European, and I do think that an eagle must be faster, especially in a dive, which the question did not rule out.

Fernapple replies on Jan 20, 2020:

@Marionville Yep I got most of them right, just dropped one, made one stupid mistake clicked on the wrong box, don't agree about the eagle, and a couple I really did not know.

Despite the frost and snow the spring bulbs just keep pushing through.

Mark013 comments on Jan 20, 2020:

Your winter climate must be a little warmer. It will be a high of 17 F here today and there is a foot of snow on the ground. Not going to see any plants here until late March or early April.

Fernapple replies on Jan 20, 2020:

No, we are just two/three degrees below freezing at night and two/three above during the day, but there may be a harder snap on the way. We don't often get down to seventeeen though.

The Winter Aconites, Eranthus hyemalis, are out with us now, they are no relative of the true ...

Cast1es comments on Jan 20, 2020:

So beautiful , especially when most other flowers aren't blooming .

Fernapple replies on Jan 20, 2020:

@AnneWimsey Where you can grow snowdrops you can probably grow Erathus too. They like much the same conditions and are happy growing together.

A really fascinating piece about languages, their 'voids' - and how they can be filled. [bbc.com]

Fernapple comments on Jan 19, 2020:

Interesting but a little loose. For example Dinosaur is refered to as English several times, in fact of course, it is Latin/Greek, and I can not see that alternative 'Ancient Animal' is any better or more accurate than 'Terrible Lizard' While DNA is short for 'deoxyribonucleic acid' not ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 19, 2020:

@Allamanda Which just raises the question. If we can use several root languages, why can't anybody else.

Interesting food for thought on limits of human logic and why we are vulnerable to religious ...

mordant comments on Jan 16, 2020:

Agency inference and confirmation bias are things we are all equipped with.

Fernapple replies on Jan 17, 2020:

Yes, there is always more than one reason, it is always more complex than any one thing.

Hey, could be, still looking for the evidence though.

Fernapple comments on Jan 15, 2020:

Heck, there is not much life here.

Fernapple replies on Jan 17, 2020:

@Captain_Feelgood Yes I was being cynical. But having said that our planet is not only tiny, but while it is eight thousand miles across, life only inhabits about a half mile up into the air, and two miles down. Vertebrate life less than that, and life with technological culture less than half the quarter which is dry, we really are just a thin scum on a tiny bit of the surface. LOL

It seems that there are too definitions of religious naturalism, that which I first encountered many...

Davesnothere comments on Jan 16, 2020:

Why assume facts not in evidence to begin with? 1. "Let us assume hypothetically for the sake of argument, that there is such a thing as a supernatural" What is that, things beyond our understanding or things beyond nature itself? How would we ever determine what, if anything, is beyond nature ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 17, 2020:

@Davesnothere I know that is the problem with what I would call anti-education, religion is an enemy of education not merely because it contradicts science and true philosophy. But even more so, because it fills up our time, lives, institutions and taxes our energies, leaving little of any remaining for education of the kind which leads to understanding, and it thereby creates culture victims of millions. If we have escaped, and escaped with time for life and learning still remaining, then we are the lucky ones.

Better smarten up boys. You don't want an intelligent woman. [patheos.com]

Fernapple comments on Jan 16, 2020:

So he says effectively that you can not serve god if intelligent and educated. Is that not the same thing as saying that god, and or belief in god requires, stupidity and a lack of education. I know that some hard line Atheist/ Agnostics think that, but I never thought to hear a cleric say it. LOL

Fernapple replies on Jan 17, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 No I have a very high view of education. And what I am saying is that the greatest enemy of education is not anti-intellectualism, though that is bad, but anti-education, that which is false but pretends to be education. The truly great crime of religion is anti-education. Religion is an enemy of education not mainly because it contradicts science and true philosophy. But even more so, because it fills up our time, lives, institutions and taxes our energies, leaving little of any remaining for education of the kind which leads to understanding, and it thereby creates culture victims of millions. If we have escaped, and escaped with time for life and learning still remaining, then we are the lucky ones.

Better smarten up boys. You don't want an intelligent woman. [patheos.com]

Fernapple comments on Jan 16, 2020:

So he says effectively that you can not serve god if intelligent and educated. Is that not the same thing as saying that god, and or belief in god requires, stupidity and a lack of education. I know that some hard line Atheist/ Agnostics think that, but I never thought to hear a cleric say it. LOL

Fernapple replies on Jan 16, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 Yes that may be true. But they say that when you go to prison, you come out with a much better understanding of crime, and rise more rapidly though the ranks when you leave. That does not however make prisons respectable academic institutions.

Better smarten up boys. You don't want an intelligent woman. [patheos.com]

Fernapple comments on Jan 16, 2020:

So he says effectively that you can not serve god if intelligent and educated. Is that not the same thing as saying that god, and or belief in god requires, stupidity and a lack of education. I know that some hard line Atheist/ Agnostics think that, but I never thought to hear a cleric say it. LOL

Fernapple replies on Jan 16, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 The problem with that is that to study academically, you must have an academy to study in. And since all theological academies were created by churches, who take their authority from a none existent or none communicating god, therefore there can never be such a thing as a real theological academy.

What do you say when someone knocks on your door and wants to tell you about their religion?

skado comments on Jan 16, 2020:

Talking with people about worldviews is one of my favorite things to do. Whether waiting in line at the bank or sitting in my livingroom with door-knockers, if someone wants to tell me about their worldview, I listen, and share mine in return. I'm having my third meeting tonight with the local ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 16, 2020:

I only wish I had the time to spare. Still I retire soon.

Better smarten up boys. You don't want an intelligent woman. [patheos.com]

Fernapple comments on Jan 16, 2020:

So he says effectively that you can not serve god if intelligent and educated. Is that not the same thing as saying that god, and or belief in god requires, stupidity and a lack of education. I know that some hard line Atheist/ Agnostics think that, but I never thought to hear a cleric say it. LOL

Fernapple replies on Jan 16, 2020:

@Geoffrey51 I am sure they would move it on if they are in the least bit humane or thoughtful. But I do not hold with the idea that there could exist such things as 'real' theologians. That is the same as saying there are real fakes.

It seems that there are too definitions of religious naturalism, that which I first encountered many...

Davesnothere comments on Jan 16, 2020:

Why assume facts not in evidence to begin with? 1. "Let us assume hypothetically for the sake of argument, that there is such a thing as a supernatural" What is that, things beyond our understanding or things beyond nature itself? How would we ever determine what, if anything, is beyond nature ...

Fernapple replies on Jan 16, 2020:

I agree with you completely. I do not make the assumptions, except for the sake of the argument which follows, it is called a devils advocate assumption. The whole point of the post is to turn the assumptions on their heads, and shoot them down, it needs more carefull reading. I am sorry if you found it not clear, but I was trying to keep the length of the post within moderate limits by cutting corners. The crux of the post, is the that the assumption of a supernatural intelligence, (And a lot of people do assume that.) while it can not be disproved because it is outside nature, and proof can only ever be concerned with nature, is only relevant if there is the addition of comunication, which can be disproved. And since this is on the edge of being an reductio ad absurdum argument, I may make as many assumptions as wished to disprove.

“If religious instruction were not allowed until the child had attained the age of reason, we ...

Killtheskyfairy comments on Jan 15, 2020:

You trust the adults around you to tell the truth.

Fernapple replies on Jan 16, 2020:

And that is usually your first big mistake in life, but how can you help it.

Strange particles found in Antarctica cannot be explained by physics | New Scientist

Surchin comments on Jan 15, 2020:

Earlier article about same phenomenon. Paywalls suck!

Fernapple replies on Jan 15, 2020:

Thank you, that was interesting.